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BACKGROUND: Family studies, including twin and adoption designs, have shown familial transmission of suicidal behaviors. Early environmental risk factors have an important role in the etiology of suicidal behavior. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of family history of suicide and childhood trauma on suicide risk and on severity of suicide attempt in suicide attempters.

METHODS: A total of 181 suicide attempters were included. Family history of suicide was assessed with the Karolinska Suicide History Interview or through patient records. Childhood trauma was assessed with the Karolinska Interpersonal Violence Scale (KIVS) measuring exposure to violence and expressed violent behavior in childhood (between 6 and 14 years of age) and during adult life (15 years or older). Suicide intent was measured with the Freeman scale.

RESULTS: Male suicide attempters with a positive family history of suicide made more serious and well planned suicide attempts and had a significantly higher suicide risk. In logistic regression, family history of suicide and exposure to interpersonal violence as a child were independent predictors of suicide in male suicide attempters.

LIMITATIONS: The information about family history of suicide and exposure to interpersonal violence as a child derives from the patients only. In the first part of the inclusion period the information was collected from patient records.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study imply that suicides among those at biological risk might be prevented with the early recognition of environmental risks.

Difficulties in interpersonal relationships are associated with a wide range of psychiatric diagnoses and have been reported as a trigger for suicidal behavior, too. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between interpersonal problems and family history of suicide in suicide attempters and to describe relevant patterns of interpersonal problems in this patient group. The study involves 181 patients having their clinical follow-up after a suicide attempt. Family history of suicide was assessed by using the Karolinska Self Harm History Interview or retrieved in patient records. The Inventory of Interpersonal Problems was used to assess personal style in an interpersonal context. Suicide attempters with a family history of suicide had significantly more often an intrusive personal style. The results remained significant after adjustment for personality disorder. The specific interpersonal patterns associated with family history of suicide may interfere with the ability to create stable, long-lasting relationships. In regards to treatment, these personal qualities could cause difficulties in the alliance with health care personnel and make it harder for suicide attempters to accept or benefit from treatment. Attention to suicide attempters’ interpersonal problems is of importance to lower their distress.

This pilot study evaluated the effect of Family Connections (FC), a Dialectical Behavior Therapy-based manualized skills training program, for family members of suicide attempters. The DBT-based skills training program aims to enhance the knowledge of wide range research based aspects of suicidal behavior and treatment recommendations. Furthermore it includes skills training for interpersonal relationships and also offers family members an opportunity to share their experiences. Thirteen participants completed the 9-week program with pre- and post selfreport questionnaires. The results showed significant reduction in burden, improved psychic health and an increase in well-being regarding the relation with the patient. These results provide support for the need and importance of a DBT-based skills training program addressed specifically to family members of suicide attempters.

The involvement of significant others is an objective in suicide prevention and there is a need for development of interventions for this group. The aim of this open naturalistic study was to evaluate the feasibility and the preliminary efficacy of Family Connections (FC) for significant others of suicidal patients, a nine-week manualized skills training program based on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in a clinical context.

The intervention program aims to enhance the knowledge of symptoms and behaviors connected with attempted suicide. Furthermore it introduces stress-coping strategies and emotion regulation skills. Out of 132 participants in total, 104 (79%) completed the program. Included in the analysis were the 86 (65%) participants who completed the program, and who also had both pre- and post-intervention assessments. The Burden assessment scale, BAS, the Questions About Family Members scale, QAFM, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, FFMQ, were used to assess perceived burden, relationship climate and five facets of mindfulness respectively.

The results showed a significant reduction in perceived burden, measured by BAS, and a significant change in the mindfulness scale FFMQ subscale Acting with Awareness, which indicates an enhanced ability to be present in the moment. None of the four subscales in QAFM showed significant changes between the pre- and post-intervention assessments.

The results support the feasibility and potential value of the implementation of an intervention for family members and friends of suicidal patients in psychiatric care. Randomized controlled studies are needed to generate further evidence.